How do Americans feel about facial recognition and its increasing use everywhere—by the feds, by the police, and even at airports?
A new survey on privacy and facial recognition by the Center for Data Innovation reveals the answer: Society's willingness to give up privacy depends on what society (and the individual) are getting in return.
Check out the responses below and watch how the numbers shift based on what Americans believe they'll get in return for allowing facial recognition.
The initial question is whether the government should strictly limit the use of facial recognition. And then the question repeats, but with a qualifier:
Interestingly, only 26% of the U.S. respondents in this survey favor strict limits on facial recognition. About 45% disagree with strict limits on the technology, and the rest (which are not listed) are undecided on the topic.
And that's where it gets interesting. Twenty-six percent support strong restrictions on facial recognition technology, but if it reduces shoplifting, only 23.8% want to restrict it.
If airports can use it to speed up security lines, only 20% of respondents want strict regulations. Most will gladly exchange privacy for convenience.
And when public safety is at stake, just 18.3% support strong restrictions of facial recognition.
See the rest of the public support of facial recognition survey here.
[RELATED: Facial Recognition in San Jose: Visiting Silicon Valley? Only if They Recognize You]
